By Ahone Heidi
Anglophone youths from Cameroon’s Northwest and Southwest regions are increasingly leaving the country amid escalating security operations linked to the ongoing Anglophone Crisis.
As tensions persist between government forces and separatist movements, many young professionals, activists, and community members have reported fears of arrest, harassment, or violence against their relatives and loved ones.
Government security forces have intensified efforts to identify and apprehend individuals suspected of involvement with or support for the Southern Cameroons National Council (SCNC), Ambazonia Defense Forces (ADF) and other separatist organization advocating for the independence of the English-speaking regions under the name “Ambazonia.”
Authorities describe the operations as necessary measures to combat armed separatists.
Critics, however, argue that the crackdown has disproportionately affected youths, particularly those perceived as politically vocal or critical of government actions.
International human rights organizations have documented widespread abuses by government forces, including unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests, torture, destruction of property, and indiscriminate raids in the Anglophone regions since hostilities escalated in late 2016.
Amnesty International’s extensive report on the crisis notes that security operations have subjected civilians to serious human rights violations, contributing to mass displacement and suffering in these regions.
At the same time, armed separatist groups have also been documented committing grave abuses against civilians, including shootings, kidnappings, attacks on schools, and intimidation of those perceived as unsupportive of their cause.
Human Rights Watch reports that both government forces and separatists have perpetrated violence that has terrorized the civilian population and undermined basic rights.
Among those reportedly impacted is Ekiti Ekote, a biostatistician and data analyst who previously studied at the University of Hasselt in Belgium.
After returning to Cameroon, he founded an IT and Statistical Consulting Company in Buea. According to family sources, Ekiti later became the subject of suspicion by security agents who allegedly believed he was supporting and sponsoring separatist fighters.
Relatives claim that an uncompleted building he owns in Mile 16, Buea, was allegedly used by separatist fighters as a hideout without his knowledge. They say this development triggered increased scrutiny from security forces.
Wanted Order for Ekiti Ekote
Ekiti Ekote on the run for his life.
A document reportedly dated 19, March 2024, indicates that an order for his arrest was issued. Family members state that the wanted order was issued in his absence after he had already fled the country due to safety concerns.
ECO OUTLOOK reports that the wanted notice bearing Ekiti’s name and photograph, alongside those of other youths, was posted on the Molyko Police Station notice board in Buea.
Family sources further allege that Ekiti had previously been detained at the same station in March 2023, where he was allegedly subjected to severe mistreatment before being released.
According to relatives, concerns for his safety intensified following his release, prompting him to discretely leave the country shortly thereafter.
The family declined to disclose further details regarding the alleged mistreatment, citing fear of reprisals.
“We have experienced worse,” a relative told ECO OUTLOOK, “but we do not feel safe sharing everything.”
Security officials have not publicly commented on the specific allegations.
Since the crisis began in 2016, human rights monitors report thousands of civilian deaths, widespread displacement, and extensive human suffering in Cameroon’s Anglophone Northwest and Southwest regions.
According to Human Rights Watch’s World Report 2024, at least 6,000 civilians have been killed in the conflict, with abuses continuing by both state security forces and armed separatists. Schools have remained closed for extended periods in some areas due to security concerns and attacks on education infrastructure, further exacerbating the humanitarian toll on families and communities. The disruption has contributed to a generation of children deprived of regular schooling amidst ongoing violence. Amnesty International’s reporting emphasizes that the population remains “caught in the crossfire” of competing armed actors, with civilians facing violence irrespective of their political affiliations or perceived loyalties. The organization has called for thorough investigations, accountability for abuses, and protections for civilians and those speaking out against atrocities. As the conflict persists without a comprehensive political resolution, increasing numbers of young professionals and community members continue to seek safety outside the country, citing concerns that suspicion alone may be enough to place them at risk.
Sources: Amnesty International. (2018). Cameroon: Stars on their shoulders. Earth beneath their feet: Forced displacement and “villagization” in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions. Amnesty International. (2023, July). Cameroon: Rampant atrocities amid Anglophone regions must be stopped. Amnesty International. – https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/afr17/8481/2018/Amnesty%20International
- https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/07/cameroon-rampant-atrocities-amid-anglophone-regions-must-be-stopped/Human%20Rights%20Watch.%20(2022,%20June%2027).
- https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2024/country-chapters/cameroon